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Market Line Up
Meet The Maker: Rae Collected
Meet The Maker: Rae Collected
Introducing, Ella the youngest creative in a long line of women within her family tree. This 24 year old Taurian channels her earth connection into her work by taking inspiration from the great outdoors.
Learning from the best, her Noni (grandmother) and acclaimed ceramic artist Alison Rae Brown, Ella and her sister were taught to look to nature for creation, exploring a life lived between the hills and the coast.
Though creating since childhood, Ella lost touch with art of ceramics only coming back to the clay when her mental wellness needed focus.
Today, we catch up with Ella to chat about her creative journey, her inspiration and goals for the future. Enjoy!
How was Rae Collected born?
I actually studied occupational therapy. I did that for four years and then I graduated and worked in paediatrics for two years. But in the last year of my uni degree I lost my sister unexpectedly in an accident. That really threw my whole world and my balance off.
I made a decision in December of 2019 to quit my job and focus on myself; essentially take a year off. Until this point I hadn’t taken a gap year, I just went straight from school to uni, uni to work and within all of this I began to question the meaning of life.
Initially I felt a lot of judgment for taking time off and I had questions from people. But I stuck true to myself knowing it’s what I needed to do for me. I came off antidepressants last year, so last year for me was massive as it was for many, and I genuinely don’t think I could have done those things in a regular nine to five job
Rae Collected was born out of a place of need. A need for me to take the time out. I made a decision and ran with it. I didn’t and still don’t compare myself to others, or their businesses, or anyone else’s experiences. I had to keep coming back to my why, and I don’t regret it at all. It’s been the best decision to take the time off and explore my creativity and heal myself from the inside out.
Have you always been a creative person?
Yes and no. As an adult I’d never really had, or given myself the opportunity to explore it. In my year off I started to feel into my creativity again which has always been deep down in me, and with all the time off I started painting, writing more, drawing, journaling, cooking, experimenting with more whole and sustainable food practices. I even started fermenting and growing cultures.
From there I started selling some paintings to help me pay the rent. Whilst it came from a place of need, my bigger need was my own mental health journey. Luckily enough I’d always been a really strict saver so I was able to quit my job and go inwards.
I mean people spend – and I have done too – tens of thousands of dollars on a Europe trip, ‘so why can’t I spend a portion of my savings to help support myself?’ I thought. It came with letting go of the anxiety that used to come with dipping into my savings.
What are your key lessons from your experience so far that you could shed light on for other aspiring creatives?
I’ve learnt a lot about myself in the past year. One thing I do now is write things down. It’s not something I’ve always done. I have always kept a to – do list helps me stay in check to help keep me in check. But at the start of last year I wrote a big list of all the small things I’ve wanted to achieve. For example some of those were to go and see the Black Diamond Lake in Collie, learn how to make kombucha, and start learning how to surf.
These were pretty mellow things, but they’re things that fill my cup and I forgot about that list for a time. But it was something I could return to when I needed to gain some perspective and focus for this new change.
I think it’s a great thing to do for your own practice and awareness. Just go ‘hey, these are some things I’d like to do in my life, and if I can fit them in then that will keep my cup full. I think these sorts of things keep you connected to your direction and your drive as well as filling you with a sense of achievement as well.
It’s really nice to reflect and know even when it’s been really tough there have been moments of small achievement. I can now just stand up on the white water or baby wave, but I keep breaking my toe which doesn’t help! I’ll be rolling surfing over into my 2021 goals.
How many of the other goals did you tick off the list, and what’s on your list this year?
It’s funny you ask. I’ve actually tried looking everywhere for that list into the new year and absolutely cannot find it. I suspect it was lost somewhere between moving houses over the last year. I mostly lived out of boxes for a portion of last year so it wouldn’t surprise me.
Oh well, maybe i don’t need it anymore. But here is a small notes list of some general bullet points from last year (below).
I pretty much did everything except sign up to a formal art class. That was on my list, but I just ended up learning myself, watching others, researching, and going down south to learn from my Noni.
Looking at that list it seems you take a lot of inspiration from nature, can you tell us about how it inspires you?
I love the ocean, being out in nature, all that sort of thing. I grew up in the hills, so always had a fair bit of space and trees around our place which was really nice. We grew up going bushwalking as a family, and often my mum would take us to visit my grandmother who moved to Dunsborough. So my sister and I grew up with that balance of nature.
Whenever I feel average, I know if I go for a swim in the ocean or ground in the grass I always feel better for it. Nature is definitely an inspiration for me.
Taking inspiration from nature and treading gently in life, how does Rae Collected keep a sustainable footprint?
The cool thing is I was taking on my own mindful and sustainable practices before dabbling in Rae Collected, which meant how I walked in the world in my personal life flowed into my business.
When I had the year off I had an epic at home fermentation station where I made my own booch and kefir, and I started to become more aware of my own footprint so that naturally shaped my business. Working from my garage at home also helps. Having a mindful home influences what you do as a business anyway.
Pottery itself is pretty sustainable. Yes, the bag of clay is plastic. But within that bag there can be up to 100 pieces I can create. So that’s pretty cool being able to make all that I can using the resources. As well, I like to reuse where I can, and the nature of the clay allows me to do this. To avoid it cracking or warping in the heat, I reuse this packaging to cover the clay and slow down the drying process.
As well, the art itself is quite minimalist. You don’t use that many things in the process of creating a piece. You use your hands to shape, you fire it in a kiln, and then you have a piece that lasts you forever.
How has it been received by the Summer X Salt community?
I applied for the market without having made a huge amount of pottery before that, and now it’s my day job. It’s been so well received. People really have been beautiful and loving and supportive. I never started this in search of that, but the fact that I can fill my cup and create something that’s appreciated is honestly a bonus.
How do you stay motivated to create when there’s stagnation?
It’s still fairly new, so I’m still figuring out what works the best for me. Sometimes motivation is hard, but going back to lists and writing things down is a big help. But mostly it’s the women in my life who are my biggest motivators.
My Grandma is a ceramic artist, and she’s the one I learnt pottery from ever since I was a tiny kid. My mum is an artist as well, but her passion is in woodwork. And my sister was an artist as well and the person who introduced to the Summer x Salt community years ago now.
Do you feel connected with your sister when you’re creating?
I think so, though initially I didn’t want to attach it to that because I’m doing this for me. For me personally, sometimes it can be unhealthy to attach it to that. So I’m pretty firm in that this is part of my own journey and exploration. But within that I have had a lot of time in my mindful making zone to connect and work through my grief.
But really it’s my grandma who’s taught (and continues to teach) me everything I know. I spent a summer working down south and living with her as an adult. That’s really what got me playing with clay again. I like stamping things into my clay because it reminds me of my childhood with her. She’d always grab shells and stamp anything coastal into her pieces.
So it’s not only a reconnection to my childhood but also a connection with her. She’s one of my biggest inspirations, I can call her with anything. So it’s sort of a new thing but I’ve also been doing pottery my whole life and that playful mindfulness is so important in the creative process.
It seems you moved into 2020 intentionally, what’s your intention or do you have a word for 2021?
Well I had big intentions for this year, but my partner and I were actually involved in a car crash over the new year. Which you can imagine brought up a lot for me. We’re very lucky to be alive though, and so my intention now is to take one day at a time, massive gratitude, a shift in perspective and trying to realign and refocus.
I’m not one to have a five year plan, but I think I’ll be riding the wave each day for a bit. Having said that I do need routine, focus and mini goals to help me stay grounded.
This year they’re to:
– Re-do senior first aid
– own a kiln
– start exercising regularly
– get back into healthy eating and effective/efficient cooking
– learn and experience the art of yoga
– integrate occupational therapy back into my life
I’ll keep adding to the list as I think of things whilst I’m regaining direction.
A huge thanks to Ella for sharing her story, what a beautiful read!
If you would like to learn more about Ella or Rae Collected, explore her website or follow @raecollected on instagram for up to date news.
Meet The Maker: Enviro Bren
Meet The Maker: Enviro Bren
If you, like us, had an abundance of time during iso, you’ve perhaps delved into the plethora of environmental docos available at the touch of button? Sir David Attenborough has been leading the way for decades as evident in his latest A Life On Our Planet. But others like Kiss The Dirt and 2040 have also emerged. These films, whilst shocking, are not designed to stun us into powerless and inaction. Instead they task us with the obligation to make change. It’s fairly simple really, and it starts with you, but first you must get comfortable living with less.
The impact of COVID-19 may have seen a contracted ecological footprint globally and #EarthOvershootDay may have been the latest it’s been for some time. But these are outlier statistics, for the best part of the last century (and the duration of Attenborough’s life) the world’s ability to sustain itself has been in decline.
This is not time to unlearn the lessons from the catalyst coronavirus pandemic, but instead to take the knowledge we have learnt from binging nature docos and take direct actions to make direct change.
Feeling overwhelmed? We’re right there with you, but lucky for us (and you guys) one of our epic local makers has some product solutions for you. Are you ready to make the switch with the help of Envirobren?
Here are some key areas in our lives where most of us consume plastic goods – the kitchen, the bathroom and laundry and when we are out and about.
How to make the switch: In the Kitchen
Cling wrap: SWITCH TO AGreena Reusable Silicone 3 in 1 Wraps.
A safe, non-toxic, reusable wrap for sandwiches, rolls, wraps or anything else you can think of. No shape is too difficult for Agreena sheets to wrap around. Time after time….
There’s not a hint of plastic in these bad boys. They work like cling wrap without the detrimental impact that single use plastic has on the environment when it degrades.
Agreena covers and perfectly seals bowls, cups, glasses and plates with a perfectly airtight seal. They come in a box of 2 x large silicone baking sheets and also a box of 2 small (20cm x 20cm) & 2 large (30cm x 30cm) silicone wraps plus instructions for use and care.
Zip lock bags: SWITCH TO My Humble Earth Reusable Silicone ZipLock Bags.
Being dishwasher safe, freezer safe, microwave safe and oven safe makes this product very easy to use and low maintenance, and their compact so easily stack in the freezer and lunch bag.
DID YOU KNOW? These amazing bags can be used in the oven up to 220degrees Celsius? They can also be used for steaming veggies or cooking Sous Vide!
The reusable silicone ziplock bags come in 500ml, 1000ml and 1500ml sizes so you can choose which is best for your needs.
Some other kitchen kindness suggestions:
- plastic produce bags (you know the annoying ones that never want to open at the ends) – mesh bags, glass jars, even brown paper mushroom bags
- plastic wrapped bread – invest in a bread bag and take a trip to your local bakery
- canned fruit and veg (did you know cans have plastic lining?) – fresh is best, drystore beans – just soak in a tsp of baking/ bi-card powder and water before cooking
- plastic wrapped produce – buy naked (mother nature gave them skin for a reason!)
How to make the switch: In The Laundry
Plastic/Wooden clothing pegs: SWITCH TO Let’s Go Nature’al Stainless Steel Wire Pegs.
Designed to last a lifetime these eco friendly pegs are made from the highest quality marine grade (#316) stainless steel which means that they’ll never rust (even if you live near the ocean).
DID YOU KNOW? Plastic pegs break down in the heat of the sun and wooden pegs can go mouldy after a while?
You’ll never need to replace these beauties and so they’ll save you money in the long run and you’ll be doing the environment a favour. The pegs come in a sustainable pure cotton, undyed, unbleached reusable bag.
**Added bonus: Marine grade Clothes Pegs won’t get hot so are perfect for hot summer conditions.
Creative cleaning suggestions (DIY, zero-waste and non-tox):
- All purpose cleaner: warm water and white vinegar (1:1 ratio)
- Save old rags as cleaning cloths
- Fabric softener: vinegar, water, vegetable glycerin (by product of soap making), essential oil of choice. Recipe.
How to make the switch: Out and About
Single use cold drink cups: SWITCH TO MontiiCo Mini and Original Smoothie Cups.
MontiiCo Smoothie Cups are made for the little legends (and the young at heart) and come in a rainbow of colours The stainless steel, scratch resistant finish makes it durable (and kid safe).
The smoothie cups are vacuum insulated double wall stainless steel with means that your drink will stay cold for 6 hours at least.
They come with a screw on stainless steel lid and a thick stainless steel straw (the mini cup comes with a mini stainless steel straw and bonus silicone mini straw).
The original smoothie cup is 450ml or a decent 16oz while the mini smoothie cup is 275ml or 90z. What size is best for you?
H2Onya Reusable Drink Bottles.
It’s mind boggling when you think of how many millions of plastic bottles go into landfill around the world every single day. H2Onya is making hydration responsible and healthy (for us and the planet)
The drinking bottles come in 500ml, 750ml and 1L sizes in great colours to suit any taste.
Made from stainless steel H2Onya bottles will never retain or leach flavours.They’re ultra durable and tough as and unless you lose them they will last you for years!!
More market ready must haves:
- plastic straws: SWITCH TO metal or bamboo reusable straws
- coffee cups: SWITCH TO don’t be a mug, use your keep cup or slow down a little and grab a mug from the mug library to sip from while you meander through local artisan pieces or enjoy a bit to eat permitting you a boycotting…
- takeaway containers: SWITCH TO good ol’ tupperware
We have become a single-use society due to convenience and lack of information.
With knowledge we can empower change, it just takes a little extra preparation! Not only do these lifestyle changes benefit the planet, they are often healthier alternatives, and they support the local guys.
Remember it’s not about doing it perfectly it’s about the small changes that make a world of difference, or should we say a different world.
What waste free habits are you going to carry forward to aid our #reuserevolution?
Shop Local This Christmas
Community strength and environmental integrity, two pinnacles of the buy local movement.
Since the inaugural market season our salty souls have been working toward creating an ecologically sound event space which does more good than harm for the beautiful corner of the planet we gratefully call home. One ripple effect we were pleasantly blindsided by was the social change and community outreach our humble little market supports.
The anonymous quote “When you choose small business you’re choosing a dream” couldn’t ring more true for what we’ve witnessed over the years at the Summer x Salt Markets.
But it’s not just bakers bringing you baked goods just how Grandma made, or floral arrangements curated by your childhood neighbour; it’s the stories behind the creation. And we have discovered there are many.
Similar to our Meet The Maker blog series this little piece delves into the stories behind the makers, how it’s led them home to their inner creative, and why when you choose to #shoplocal (and #staysalty) you’re supporting something much greater than the individual, their dream, their journey and even the planet they live on. You’re supporting a ripple of social change driven by a grassroots vision.
(Image: @wildfire_wellness)
Growing from the ground up, we’ve watched our local alchemist Haidee Coulson share her blends of precious oils and other locally harvested fruit and flora to strengthen the health of the community.
Conscious Culture has been an evolution of Haidee’s biomed background and a beauty therapy course completed many moons ago.
Haidee says she creates products based on what people like to put on their bodies and around their homes.
“I get insights from friends and family then trial it and create a new formula based on the ideas that spring from these conversations” she says.
It’s clear to see when speaking to our makers the products are an extension of them; they’re creative energy made manifest into physical form. So when asked to name her top three products, which by the way are her signature deodorant paste, the moon goddess serum and her coffee scrub blend, it had Haidee splitting hairs over her divine range.
Just as Conscious Culture Co supports our people’s health, the effort to support the planet is impressive, and she was willing to share with us her process.
Here’s the blueprint:
- All packaging from local sources: bottles from a local glass making company who order in the pipettes from their cousin company in QLD (currently the only carbon footprint the packaging side of the business creates)
- You get to know your suppliers as people and you begin to work together like family
- Labels – env eco printing company in Malaga ink are organic and tox free and labels made from recycled packaging
- Offering of a refill program – this year all of the products are all recycled
“The first year of business was about creating something people would resonate with and from there it’s been a journey toward making it a more sustainable venture,” she says.
“Where there is a WA grown option for my blends I will always choose to support local, it’s a constant effort to swap for local sources”
“You get to know your suppliers and over time the relationship begins to resemble family business.”
“I get my wax from a local beehive in Maylands, my eucalyptus from a Kalamunda farm, and I have recently found a local calendula grower which is pretty rad,” she says.
Whilst Haidee does her bit to source flora from the ground, another maker Colm Macdonagh does his bit to keep unnecessary debris returning to the ground as landfill.
The man behind Off Cut Skateboards puts a new spin on “one man’s trash being another’s treasure.”
When Colm’s wife bought a board off gumtree 6 years ago his trade in joinery would become an affinity for a new creative project; one that would involve diving into skip bins.
Seeing the masses of building material waste at demolition sites he began recovering perfectly good wood debris, namely timber and hardwood.
Colm says he’s always delighted in the challenge of turning “junk” into something beautiful.
“People are drawn to something that’s handcrafted; something they can see and touch, there’s no shortcuts, it’s made with care, something unique,” he says.
Since picking up skateboard design Colm has built about 30 boards in three different sizes.
“There’s a board for everyone, a 40” longboard, 33” cruiser, and a 26” mini board which is versatile for kids and can also be used by public transport commuters,” he says.
But he says it’s more than the physical process of creating something.
“I think for anybody that creates, it’s a mental switch off.”
“It does more for your mental health than anything else,” he says.
For our final maker, Pop and Crackle her design process is not only a therapeutic release, but a way of connecting to a passed loved one.
Seeking a creative outlet Ami reignited a past jewellery crafting hobby and brought her sister Kia along for the ride.
“Kia passed away last year, and she remains very much a part of the Pop and Crackle story, and it’s why I still create” Ami says.
From tragedy the Pop and Crackle family have witnessed a continual wave of community generosity.
“From the start the community banded together and since, collecting 10% of all profits from this support, Pop and Crackle has raised over $3000 for the Youth Cancer Centre.” she says.
The story behind these two sisters’ business is reason enough to #shoplocal, needless to mention the polymer clay accessories and homewares range is unique in more ways than one.
Purchasing a Pop and Crackle piece to adorn yourself or your house with you are supporting a small business doing good in the world.
No piece of the polymer clay slabs are wasted and all materials are sourced as sustainably as possible.
“Everything can be repurposed, pieces that are seemingly imperfect to use for the accessory range can be utilised as a component in a wall hanging piece or another homeware piece.” Ami says.
“Being a mum it’s important for me that my work is conducted in a way that supports the future of the planet for my children,” she says.
Ami is part of a new movement of female entrepreneurs creating a work life that fits with the family. This is why her creative outlet is so important to her, she says.
“As a working mum to have a space to connect to Kia, a happy place where I create and call it work is truly a blessing,” she says.
So when sifting through the rainbow key-rings, funky 90s inspired berets, and brass/ clay combo earrings you are voting for a change supporting entrepreneurial mums like Ami.
Ami, Haidee and Colm’s stories are just three from the makers family that make up the Summer x Salt Markets.
These markets may have started with the mission to create more eco friendly options for the community, but what we’ve come to realise is when people support small businesses and creatives they empower individuals to reconnect to passions, support community mental health and in turn raise the health of the community and the planet.
When you opt to shop local you:
- Support individuals, diverting money away from multinationals
- Stimulate your local economy to support its community
- Protect quality by mitigating harmful byproducts sometimes present in imported goods
- Reduce transportation emissions and costs
- Open an opportunity for small business networks to develop
- Help keep unnecessary resources in the ground
- Empower people to make conscious change through their business mission
Visit us this season at Clarko Reserve, Trigg.
See you soon!
Meet our local legend Ross, from Soul Boardstore!
Meet our local legend Ross, from Soul Boardstore!
Scarborough’s Soul Boardstore celebrates its 25th birthday this November, so we had a yarn with Ross, one of the Westcoast’s finest shapers in the business! Learn how Soul Board Store started, what inspires Ross the most and get to know our favourite local legend below.
Plus, we’re stoked to announce that Ross will be joining us this salty season in our Shapers Bay! Watch him in action, shaping and come say hi!
So, how was the idea for Soul Boardstore born?
I started longboarding in the mid nineties and it wasn’t as busy, was more of a niche thing than it is now. It was a nice thing that I wanted to be involved in. A guess the inspiration was the old American longboard mag, when magazines were still a thing, I’d look forward to getting that copy every couple of months or whatever it might have been. Seemed like a really nice world and something to be part of.
Not growing in the industry, working in board factories and such, I was almost an unknown to everyone. I had so many people saying “what are you doing that for?” and you know “that’ll never work” and in hindsight they were probably right, but I’ve been in business coming up 25 years so perhaps they were wrong.
Now it’s almost gone full circle with the younger generations getting into the long boarding and more of the ethos of it perhaps than it was the last 10 years or so. There’s also so many girls getting into it so it feels really inclusive. It’s like those little hard-core surfing groups are almost a minority now and there’s such a family. Still Still doesn’t mean anyone will give a wave to anyone, but the kooks and the beginners are as valid out on the water as the guys who’ve been surfing for 30 years.
What inspires you most when shaping?
I try to interpret everyone’s story when they come in, you know they’re all chasing a different thing, whether it’s to surf a particular sort of wave, or a particular style, you know. All the styles have their own thing, high performance is really cool, longing is really cool, so I don’t leave any of them out. I’m sort of a believer in the natural beauty of things, so it’s nice to aim to have something balanced and clean. I do a bit of everything. I’m not a high performance shortboard shaper, but I do a bit of mid lengths and mid sizes; basically, anything alternative to a shortboard I suppose.
”I try to interpret everyone’s story when they come in, you know they’re all chasing a different thing, whether it’s to surf a particular sort of wave, or a particular style, you know”.
How do you keep motivated when life throws you curveballs?
If I feel like I’m working too much just getting away and having a surf. At the moment I feel like I’m doing six or seven days a week, so it’s hard. But some of the nicest surfing is just spending 25 minutes down at the beachfront here, particularly those days where there’s not too much wind and I’m just chatting to a few dudes on the water and get like 20 minutes, then I’m away. By necessity the last few years I’ve been a morning person, but my ultimate preference are the afternoons where there’s no wind, but you don’t get so many of them in Perth and with the family and all that I don’t get the evenings so much. A nice beautiful glassy evening is like perfect, but I’ll take a morning one.
What does daily life look like and how did you make your passion a business?
In the early days it was just simple naivety, I thought “oh yeah that’s cool, I’ll do it” and I did it. But if I had to sit down and do all the numbers, I probably wouldn’t have done it. But that plain naivety of “I’ll just start a business” probably stood me in good stead. But yeah, I think my days are pretty good, you take it for granted after a while. Back in the early days I used to work a couple of days a week doing other jobs and things, and I was so looking forward to getting back into my little shop. But now I’m working here all the time and there’s so much to running a business, much more than meets the eye. Somedays I think I wouldn’t mind just having a job digging holes for someone and going home, but I reckon I might give up that idea pretty quickly.
Tell us some important lessons you’ve learnt about running a local business here in Scarbs.
Rightly or wrongly I kind of end up doing things for a price and a quality that I would like for myself. So when I think “what would I like to pay for a board repair” and I’ll do it for that, unfortunately none of the bills work in that system. I’m pretty honest and straight up, so much so that some might see me as the grumpy guy, but I’m just honest and don’t try and oversell things.
Yeah I guess one lesson that never goes astray is don’t promise more than you deliver, but deliver more than you promise. Some people don’t want to hear that, they come in with some beaten up board and I straight up tell them it’s time to throw it in the bin, but you know I’m not going to tell them I’m going to make their board a beautiful thing again.
What does the future hold for the business?
I can’t predict anymore. You know the predictions I’ve made in the last five to six months during coronavirus have all been totally wrong so I’ve given up haha! But I think in the retail side there’s probably a need to do more than just unpack a box and get people to buy it. It’s always been a bit of a lifestyle thing here, trying to include people and sell them the dream a bit.
But I guess what’s been in the pipeline are a few events. We’ve got this great courtyard out the front which I don’t really get as much use out of as I should. I had a couple of things planned, but they fell away during Covid. I’m not into doing big music gigs and things like that so much, but just some little events. There’s people right into it like board collectors and shapers, and so planning to do a little bit more about that.
One of the best things about business in Scarborough is being part of the community and just being recognised. Like just being down at the beach and chatting to like 10 people or whatever it may be, before I get to the beachfront. Which to me is an important thing, you know that little bit of recognition that you are someone and you’re connected.
Summer x Salt also embodies this, it’s more than just going and buying things, it’s about the community, chatting to people and sharing an hour or two connected with people.
Meet The Maker: Sofie Seyah
Meet The Maker : Sofie Seyah
Meet the effervescent artist, mumma of two, marine environmental scientist and Summer x Salt veteran Sofie Seyah of Sofie Seyah Illustrations. Operating out of her home-studio Sofie create’s stunning ink and watercolour illustrations of marine life and the wonders found in the world’s oceans. Read on to find out a little more about this special maker…
1. How was the idea for Sofie Seyah Illustrations born?
My professional background in marine environmental science gave me a great appreciation for the wonder of the world’s oceans and has formed the basis of my creative expression. I’ve always been creative and was filling sketchbooks with illustrations of the ocean’s creatures in my spare time while working as a marine environmental scientist. It wasn’t until I had my son in 2015, that I was unemployed, overwhelmed, fumbling through my journey of parenthood and desperate for a creative outlet. After substantial encouragement, a printing budget and a market gazebo birthday present from my husband, Sofie Seyah Illustration was born in late 2015. My artistic skills were initially pretty rusty but knowing that creating was destined to be part of my future, continual practice and experimentation was essential for me to create the artwork you see here today.
2. What inspires you the most when illustrating?
The story. It’s really important for me to have a backstory to each and every illustration, each one being unique as the subject itself. Something that I connect with and provides an urge or strong motivation to put the story from inside my head onto paper. Taking inspiration from the ocean and nature, and making it personal is my way of sharing the intrigue and fascination of these incredible creatures with you.
Also, the magic of illustrating itself. Happy, experimental accidents with watercolour, immersing yourself in a watery medium and delighting in the surprise of colour and texture as it dries. It’s a form of mediation for me.
“Taking inspiration from the ocean and nature, and making it personal is my way of sharing the intrigue and fascination of these incredible creatures with you.”
3. How does your art help support your passion for coastal conservation?
When you buy a piece of my art and hang it in your home, I want it to inspire a love and fondness within you for the species adorning your walls. I want to ignite a fierce protectiveness, so when there is a call to action for us to step up and act on their behalf, you feel compelled to contribute to their conservation, so that future generations can experience the majesty of these animals as well.
I donate a portion of profits from my print sales, I’m a Pearl Business Supporter of the Australian Marine Conservation Society, who are dedicated to protecting ocean wildlife and their homes. So each and every sale contributes to supporting ocean conservation in Australia.
4. How did you get involved with SummerXSalt community?
Right from the start! My very first ever market was the very first SummerxSalt market, back in February 2016. The SummerxSalt markets feel like home to me. I’ve never missed a season. Through morning sickness… heavily pregnant… with a baby and toddler in tow… my kids have grown up in the SummerxSalt community. I’ve lived in Trigg/Scarborough my whole life, so it really feels like home to have the markets so close by and attended by my local community.
5. What is the biggest challenge you face as a small business producing art from your own home studio?
Balancing all the facets with creating artwork and running a small business from home with two small children is really challenging, particularly with my husband working away much of the time. The kids come first and it’s important for me to be present with them – do the fun stuff, hit the beach, go for bike rides, get lost on bush walks. The business often takes a back seat, which means my productivity isn’t what I’d ideally like it to be. To make up for it, I tend to work at night, with less daytime distractions but juggling kids by day and working by night can be exhausting. For now, the juggle is real. I’d love to spend all day, every day, painting and creating, but the reality is that much of my time is spent managing a crazily messy but happy home.
6. What are your future goals for Sofie Seyah Illustration and how can we keep in touch with you?
I’m taking each day as it comes. I’d love to be more productive and dedicate more time to creating. I’m planning a sequel to my anchor and ships wheel illustrations, as well as an exciting upcoming collaboration with another Western Australian maker. Meanwhile, you can find me scribbling away on Instagram (@sofie_seyah) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/sofieseyah), with prints and cards available through my website (www.sofieseyah.com).
7. What is your favourite piece in your current collection?
Ohhh c’mon… I can’t just choose one! There’s Señor Octopus… not only mine, but a favourite of many. Mother Love humpback whales will always have a very special piece of my heart, as I painted it for my son on his first birthday. Then there’s my anchor and ships wheel inky illustrations, each taking hundreds of hours to complete and not unlike a research project, where each object and species is thoughtfully included.
Meet the Maker: Karen, Pure Relaxation
Meet the Maker: Karen, Pure Relaxation
Meet Karen, the conscious mind and gentle soul behind Pure Relaxation. Bringing a unique combination of coastal art and mindful workshops to the Summer x Salt season we are so lucky to have her as a part of our growing community. We caught up with Karen to discuss the new artworks coming out of her Scarborough studio, her future wellness retreats and mindful drawing workshops, and why we can all benefit from a mindful moment.
1. Where did your journey with mindfulness begin?
I started Pure Relaxation 12 years ago when I came to a point in my life where I was burnt out and I needed to rest and relax. Hence the name! I realised that I needed to make some changes, to stop doing so much and look after myself. Pure Relaxation initially started out as a Remedial Massage business specialising in relaxation massage and then later I trained as a Meditation Teacher to help me with my own meditation practice and share Mindfulness Meditation with others. After my mediation training I decided to start drawing simple line drawings to help mindfully train my own attention and next minute I was drawing mandalas. People started to ask how I did them so I shared my method and this has grown into the Mindfulness and Mandalas workshops that I run at my own studio and The Art Space Collective, both located in Scarborough.
2. What inspires you the most when colouring?
I am inspired by my love of coastal colours, the simplicity of a mandala and by the creativity displayed by those who attend my workshops. I am inspired by the vibrance of colour and I discovered how relaxing and peaceful it is to intertwine colour and simple line drawing.
It is so intriguing to merge colours and create your own colourful art and I share this in my workshops. It’s inspiring to see the different colours people choose.
“I am inspired by the vibrance of colour and I discovered how relaxing and peaceful it is to intertwine colour and simple line drawing.”
3. What are the mental & physical health benefits of mindful colouring mindful art?
We live in such a fast-paced society that our bodies and minds are moving fast too. In short bursts this is beneficial for productivity however, when sustained this can place a significant strain on our nervous system. It sounds stupidly simple, but it is important to relax, rest and reset. Taking up a simple pastime such as drawing mandalas or colouring them in is a mindful and relaxing thing to do.
It helps get us away from screens and helps to activate our parasympathetic nervous system, the part of our nervous system that helps balance and relax. Being creative is also a great outlet for us all, I just wish I could show everyone they have the potential to be an artist!
4. If I don’t consider myself an artistic person is colouring for me?
Yes! Mandala drawing and colouring is fabulous for everyone. In my workshops people often say “I don’t have an artistic cell in my body!” and I say ‘no worries we break the process into just the right sized pieces’ and people completely surprise themselves with the mandala design they draw. As Kurt Vonnegut once said ‘practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow!’
5. How does your art help support your passion for sustainability?
It is important to me that my cards, journals and prints are printed sustainably using 100% recycled paper using vegetable-based inks so we can enjoy colour art in our lives and at the same time go easy on our beautiful planet.
6. What are your future goals for Pure Relaxation and how can we keep in touch with you?
My focus as I move forward is to continue sharing workshops at The Art Space Collective in Scarborough and in my studio, to create more prints, journals and cards for gifts and retreats, and wall art for people who are creating their own relaxing spaces. Sustainable stickers, wall decals and cushions are coming next. Everything to help us relax!
If you have any questions about my art or my workshops you can send me an email or visit my Instagram @purerelaxation where there is a link to my Etsy shop. Or alternatively, if you are ever in Scarborough call by my studio, I’d love to meet you!
7. BONUS QUESTION! What is your favourite piece in your current collection?
At the moment, the turquoise journal, card and print. This colour reminds me of the beautiful crystal clear turquoise waves here in Scarborough.
We can’t wait to see what Pure Relaxation has in store for us this Salty Season.
Until then try colouring in this FREE Mandala download, intricately drawn by Karen herself.
Enjoy, relax and create!
Meet the Maker: The Be Kind Tribe
Meet the Maker: The Be Kind Tribe
From an altruistic book and a scribbled design, @thebekindtribe was born. Nicole’s motivation stems from an innate need to give back in more ways than one, The business model not only centres around using purely sustainable materials, but all profits from the business are gifted to a rainbow of charities in need. The apparel is simple but it means something and TBKT hopes it means something to others. Let’s discover more about the salty soul championing the mission…
1. When did you start your business and how did you come up with the idea?
I started The Be Kind Tribe in 2017 after being inspired by a book about altruism. I wanted to create a meaningful and sustainable business, where I could then somehow donate all profits to different charities. A design that was scribbled down (which actually turned out to look pretty decent), magically made its way onto a t-shirt; and hey… people seemed to like them! So I kept at it and here we are.
2. What does your daily life look like and where do you find the time to create?
Pretty chill, like a lot of people right now! Currently loads of reading, listening to music, hiking haha. I do try and keep busy though, so if I’m not working I’m thinking of new ideas for TBKT and things for the future. It’s just the money side of things that can hold you back a little!
It’s just the money side of things that can hold you back a little!
3. What keeps you going when things get tough or you have a lack of motivation?
Definitely the people around me. Always surrounded by lots of love. I feel I have less of an excuse to fall into procrastination because I know I’m doing this for a cause much bigger than myself. Sometimes it takes a little mental reminder; “A stop rewatching The Office for the 5th time and go help the ocean” is usually enough to snap me out of it haha.
4. Tell us one of the most important things you have learnt since running your business.
As a not-for-profit with a philanthropic business model it is tempting to give away money the moment there’s a decent looking amount in the account. I’m still paying for that one, haha. I am slowly learning to save and invest more into the business! Which eventually creates more money to share widely with more charities. A total of $4000 has been raised and donated so far, supporting a few different organisations. You can see who on the donations page on the website.
5. What do you enjoy the most?
The ocean of course (you’d hope), anything outdoors, camping! I’ve grown a slight obsession with books and records, so that keeps me happy and busy – especially during iso (Arctic Monkeys anyone?). Travelling is also a big one.
6. And what does the future look like?
In a reality without Covid I would have been heading around Australia with a trip I had planned with @endurothonozau to help fight plastic pollution for a whole year, but Covid had other plans – so now, who knows!? I guess I’ll have more time to work on The Be Kind Tribe and see where that goes. I’ve dabbled with the possibility of going back and studying/working to save for a trip to the Himalayas. See what happens!
Follow their journey here:
Meet the Maker: Surf Aid Kits
Meet the Maker: Surf Aid Kits
Meet the awesome founders and salty legends Garret and Nick from Surf Aid Kits. These two mates started their business after encountering a couple of mishaps and injuries on their surf and travel adventures. Read on to find out more and be inspired about their frothy fun motto to every aspect of life!
1. When did you start your business and how did you come up with the idea?
We started our business in December of 2019 but the idea came from all the surf trips we have been on leading up to this. Places like Gnaraloo, Indonesia, the South West, South Africa, Mexico, Central America, Morocco… the list goes on. All the countless times we had infected feet, urchins in toes, bali belly… all of this helped contribute to the kits that we ended up designing.
2. What does your daily life look like and where do you find the time to create?
Daily life is a mixed bag. Gaz is a Science teacher, while Nick is a lifeguard and photographer/podcaster. Both of us are activity driven and love getting outdoors after work so usually we just created at night and on weekends, sometimes mid surf trip.
“Both of us are activity driven and love getting outdoors after work so usually we just create at night and on weekends, sometimes mid surf trip.”
3. What keeps you going when things get tough or you have a lack of motivation?
Sharing the load and bouncing/venting off each other helps, quite often we feel motivated at different times which is also handy.
Laughing about shitty things that happen always helps, sometimes things are so annoying that you just have to laugh it off, go for a hectic run/surf/whatever or have a beer and keep going.
4. Tell us one of the most important things you have learnt since running your business.
Just jump in and have a go, roll with the punches, again and again, and if it’s not fun overall then probably don’t do it.
5. What do you enjoy the most?
When someone gets a kit and froths out, or leaves us a review or gets in contact and says they love the idea… It’s nice to get some validation for our idea every now and again!
6. And what does the future look like?
We don’t know really care at this point, it’s too early to tell but as long as it’s fun, we are learning and people keep enjoying our product, we will keep getting them out there!
Follow their journey here :
